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DOE: Install (M1) Guide & Photo Documentation

Brian - PLR Product Ops avatar
Written by Brian - PLR Product Ops
Updated over a month ago

Submission packages include five key sections for the DOE program, with a number of sub sections included into them. Projects should be submitted when the installation is complete (Defined as POST EPC quality audit.)

How to Use This Guide

This guide is organized into main sections (A - E), each containing several numbered sub-sections. You can find these sections in the right-hand menu to quickly access the information you need.

Guide Structure:

  • Main Sections (A - E): These divide the installation process into broad categories.

  • Numbered Sub-sections: Within each section, there are specific topics with numbering to facilitate identification.

Image Viewing

In each section, where applicable, you will find a tab with the option "Click to view images." Use this feature to see graphical examples that complement the documentation.

If you are unsure where to find something, use the right-hand menu to quickly locate relevant information.

Category

Sub-section

(A) Project Site

  • Site Information

  • Site Conditions

(B) Roof Work

  • Roof Component Identification

  • Rooftop In Progress

  • Finished Arrays

  • Electrical - NON BOS

(C) Ground Electrical

  • Electrical Component Identification

  • Standards

  • Equipment

(D) Energy Storage

  • Equipment

(E) Project Completion

  • Commissioning

  • Closeout

  • Solar Ready Repairs

General & Best Practices

  • Collect Clear Documentation of conditions on site (before and after photos) prior to starting work

  • Please take pictures only after the work has been completed. Pictures taken while the wiring has not been completed can cause confusion and delays in the review process.

  • When taking photos it is recommended to take a close up and a clear pullback

M1 requirements are geared toward ensuring key principles of system production, safety, and customer experience.

These requirements and standards are a combination of topics derived from LightReach installation standards, Generac Manufacture Guidelines, and Program Monitor Audit Criteria. This information is intended to support, not replace, code requirements and manufacturer recommendations.

Please reference the AVL Knowledge page for specific information on equipment used - DOE: Approved Vendor List

Ensure that installations are meeting all Site Eligibility and Solar Ready Repair Requirements

(A) Project Site

Requirement

Description

Examples

Site Information

  • Only single family homes are eligible for the solar access program

  • Photos confirming there are no signs of water intrusion from the roof

  • Documentation of interior conditions under panel areas is required. Capture substrates, ceiling finishes and span of rafters or purlins on pitched roof sections

Click for images

Site Conditions

  • Photos of the Voltage readings before starting installation is required. When arriving onsite check voltage and escalate as needed if voltage fluctuations exceed

  • Photos of existing enclosures highlighting any signs of damage. Confirm there are no signs of Water Intrusion in existing enclosures. Outdoor enclosures with extensive rusting or decay must be replaced. (IF WITHIN CIRCUIT).

  • Confirm there are no tripped breakers/blown fuses at system disconnects, or damaged conductors

Click for images

Existing Site Damage (if applicable):

  • Any pre-existing damage or conditions should also be documented, evidence of current or historical pooling on the roof, including but not limited to roof leaks or rusted rebar visible from inside, biological growth, cracked tar or sealant, bare concrete (un-coated) roofs, etc. Generally anything that could potentially be a workmanship liability in the project work area.

  • Documentation helps reduce unnecessary service evaluations

Click for images

Existing Code Violations (if applicable):

  • It is the responsibility of all parties to make all reasonable efforts to ensure the home is solar ready (meaning all existing electrical equipment between the inverter output and the utility is suitable for connection and operation of the new system).

  • -AND- identify any pre existing issues with the home’s electrical system and either remediate those issues or escalate.

Click for images

(B) Roof Work

Component Identification

Requirement

Description

Examples

Distinct serial of PV module used

  • We need a single serial number picture from one of the modules being installed onsite – no stock images

  • For O&M purposes a single SN helps us track down the lot of modules with the manufacturer, should there be a module level failure or recall.

Click for images

PV module data label - Pull back of panel label on site

  • Legible photo of the manufacturer label

  • Should show all identifying marks, listing and wattage

Click for images

PV Link map with serial numbers

  • Photos of all serial numbers and string locations to array installed

Click for images

Rooftop in Progress

Requirement

Description

Examples

Close up of Attachment - Sealed & Installed

Racking Systems without Flashing - Photos should highlight properly applied Sealant within or around the attachment

Racking Systems with Flashing - Provide photos showing properly installed flashing to manufacturer specs, along with sealant application

Click for details

  • Sealant should be applied to allow water shedding, while preventing decking/underlayment penetration.

  • Please prep all roof surfaces prior to installation of the roof attachments, following manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to do so will result in an incomplete adhesion. Do not install over standing water.

  • Attachments should adhere to manufacturer installation guidelines

  • For metal roofs, S-5! installation instructions advise against using additional sealant.

Click for images

Rail Design

  • Photos of the leg to rail attachment with torque markings

  • A photo showing the installation of a rail splice

Click for details

  • Rails installed in locations suitable for module frame attachment

  • Rails span and cantilever match plans

  • Rail connections to roof attachments torqued and marked

  • Rail Splices properly installed

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Rooftop Equipment - Rail, PV Links, and EGC are Installed

  • Provide a pullback of each mounting plane and array where all attachments, rails, PVLinks, and EGC have been installed

Click for details

  • All attachments, rail, and solar PVLinks are installed and torqued correctly

  • Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC) Path: Include the route of grounding copper between the rails on the roof for each array installed. Preferred method of grounding is #6 bare copper. This meets all NEC requirements for free-air installation in any condition.

Click for images

Torque Tool Verification

  • One photo of Torque Tool onsite used in installation

  • Verify the Torque tool used on site, capturing a photo of it on roof and in use

Click for images

Vent Pipe Relocation -
(If Applicable)

  • When needed, document any pipe vents that were relocated during install

Click for details

  • Rooftop equipment is installed per manufacturer's recommendations (spacing, attachment, and flashing) and not installed over the top of any mechanical or plumbing vents, in a neat and level fashion.

  • If the design locates the array over any vents, these vents should be relocated to exhaust outside of the array.

Finished Arrays

Requirement

Description

Examples

Completed Array

  • One completed photo of each array with all modules visible + Rail trimmed

Click for details

  • All modules must be visible

  • With low pitch roofs, or very tall homes, take photos of each array from the roof, accounting for every panel

  • Rail must be trimmed

Click for images

PV Mounts, Attachments, Torque Marks

  • Photos of proper mid and end clamps that have been torqued according to specifications, with close ups

Click for details

  • All PV mounts/attachments to rail are per manufacturer's instructions (Links, WEEBS, Wires) torques and marked (by EPC).

  • Torque markings must touch both the mid clamp and the module.

  • If there is any doubt about the purpose of the torque markings, please contact your superior.

Click for images

Tilt - Measured on Array

  • One photo per unique roof pitch. Include multiple photos for mixed pitch / mixed surface roofs

Click for details

  • Photo measurements of the tilt should be clearly legible. Tilt must be taken on the module itself, rather than the roof surface.

  • Screenshots from tilt smartphone apps are acceptable only if it shows context of the array being measured. Screenshots of tilt from a phone app in itself--without the context of the array being measured--are not acceptable.

Click for images

Under Array

  • Each array should have one photo that displays properly managed wires with at least one SnapRS device

  • Provide a photo demonstrating the bend radius of the wire management done on site

Click for details

  • Generac specifies the SnapRSs cannot be zip tied due to thermal expansion requirements. Please install the zip ties supporting the CONDUCTORS on either side of the SnapRS.

  • Conductors on the rooftop are properly sized and rated for degrees C and wet service (PV Wire only). THHN-2 or THWN-2 conductors are not permitted under the modules.

  • Wires should be secured with permanent, outdoor rated & UV-resistant clips or cable ties, installed on rail or directly to the modules. Wire management should be accessible for any necessary service.

  • Do not wrap the conductors around the rail as a method of wire management. This will be very difficult to service and could result in damage to conductors.

  • System conductors are kept from being readily accessible, are not subject to standing water such as inside U-channel racking, no mechanical stress such as pulling or tight bend radius.

Click for images

Electrical Photos - Non BOS

1. Module Connectors:

  • Requirements

    • Picture of a Field Made Staubli MC4 Connector that has been installed with a legible label

  • Additional Details

    • Connectors are rated for use and connections are properly made per manufacturers guidelines

    • All Module Connectors need to be Staubli Branded components

    • Connector Glands are required to be torqued to manufacture specifications

Click for images

2. Junction, Pull, and Outlet Boxes:

  • Requirements

    • One example of Conductor Termination showing proper technique

    • One open photo of each junction box with completed wiring and bonding. Include closeup of the conductor terminated, or the transition through conduit

    • Take pictures of the roof conduit supports that show the mechanical attachment method used. (Tapcon visible)

  • Additional Details

    • All enclosures are installed so that the wiring contained in them can be rendered accessible directly or by displacement of components secured by removable fasteners and connected by a flexible wiring system.

    • J box should not have any more than 2" of exposed conductors outside of the array. Any exposed conductor over 2" will have to be installed in a conduit.

    • Ensure the roof junction boxes and LBs have a neoprene seal.

    • Always add weep holes at the lowest point in JBoxes or Conduit bodies.

    • J-boxes align with the top of the rail and do not make contact with the underside of the module.

    • JBoxes cannot be secured to the Iron Ridge Rail System with self tapping screws, ONLY approved Iron Ridge BONDING HARDWARE can be used

      • T-BOLT - (BHW-TB-03-A1)

      • Square Bolt - (BHW-SQ-03-A1)

    • See more details on this process here.

    • Ensure Conduits are supported and positive attachment (fasteners) can be identified.

JBoxes cannot be secured to the Iron Ridge Rail System with self tapping screws, non penetrative attachments need to be used.

Click for images

(C) Ground Electrical

Electrical Component Identification

Requirement

Description

Examples

Inverter Label

  • Photo of clearly legible model for inverter used on site

  • Inverter labels should be clear and legible.

  • We will accept monitoring access at M1 in lieu of a serial number photo to minimize return trips due to missing pictures. (Normally monitoring access is only required for approval at M2).

Click for images

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) label

  • Photo of clearly legible serial number for Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) used on site.

  • ATS label should be clear and legible.

Click for images

Battery Information

  • Cabinet Label - A photo that is clear and shows the serial number of the battery cabinet used on the site.

  • Battery # Photo(s) - Serial numbers of all batteries being installed on site - no stock images.

  • Photos of all serial numbers and labels associated with Energy Storage Devices

Click for images

Electrical Equipment

1. Trenching (if applicable):

  • Requirements

    • Document any needed trench work performed . Trench depth must adhere to NEC 300.5.

  • Additional Details

    • Document any needed trench work performed . Trench depth must adhere to NEC 300.5.

Click for images

2. Inverter(s):

  • Requirements

    • Collect photos of all internal Inverter wiring, ensuring that production CTs are clearly visible.

    • Ensure that all communication devices are photographed and installed correctly.

  • Additional Details

    • Inverter Wiring

      • Wiring (including clear photos of breaker ratings, production CT, and consumption CT Terminals) /Generac lower cabinet showing RGM

      • Production CTs: Installed inside the DC wiring section. Grouping both L1’s in a single clamp and both L2’s in a single clamp. “Source” label facing the AC terminal blocks.

    • Cellular Kit & Antenna Installed?

    • Comms Cables

      • CT and ATS Cat 5 (or Cat 6) cables are tested and securely connected to the CT port and ATS port respectively.

    • Inverters must be equipped with internal revenue grade metering (RGM).

    • Torque markings are correctly applied on all terminals

    • NEC labeling required for M2.

Click for images

3. Consumption Meter:

  • Requirements

    • Close up of CT terminal lugs with the correct CT phases landed in the correct terminals. CTs on service feeders, with direction of CTs visible. (Inside the ATS or upstream)

  • Additional Details

    • All projects require consumption monitoring equipment installed to manufacturer specifications.

    • If CTs are physically unable to be installed, please include photo context showing the situation (e.g. busbars in meter/main panels where CTs physically cannot be placed, or split service setups where whole home consumption is not possible. These situations are not common).

Click for images

4. Electrical equipment - New Loads Panel:

  • Requirements

    • Document the sub panel installation, close ups and pullbacks.

  • Additional Details

    • ALL Loads are labeled per the Customer Education and LOAD LABELING Guidance

      • High Priority: Green

      • Medium Priority: Yellow

      • Low Priority: Red

Click for images

5. Point of Interconnection:

  • Requirements

    • Close up of actual POC parallel lugs, distribution blocks, breakers, or wire terminations.

    • Pullbacks of the panel surrounding the POC demonstrate the complete wiring and labeling. (Trough grounding)

  • Additional Details

    • Correct Inverter OCP size Used? (2P 40A) - All Solar Access Projects are designed with 40A breakers.

    • Need to document the service panel in which the interconnection is being performed

    • Document close up of back feed breaker (size clearly legible)

    • The PV system AC output overcurrent device is properly sized and installed in accordance with NEC and/or manufacturers recommendations.

    • For PV systems that feed a panelboard, PV system overcurrent protection installed in the correct location within the panelboard.

Click for images

6. Conduit and Raceways:

  • Requirements

    • The conduit and raceways installed on site are shown in photos, including the trough grounding and weep hole placement.

  • Additional details

    • Where inside buildings, PV system DC circuits that exceed 30 volts or 8 amperes shall be contained in metal raceways, in type MC cable that complies with 250.118, or in metal enclosures.

    • Where conduit is installed it is BONDED, rated for use (size, rating, and type), properly mounted/supported per NEC Code requirements, and sealed when transitioning to conditioned space.

    • Raceways enter enclosure(s) (Inverters, Disconnects, ATS, Batteries, etc) below energized components and have been sealed and conductors are arranged to direct water away from energized components.

    • For all enclosures used, manufacturer install instructions must be followed, any modifications to the methods of securement, opening of lids, or positioning of deadfronts will void the warranty and result system rework.

Click for images

Equipment Standards

1. Main Breaker Height:

  • Requirements

    • Clear photo showing the measurement of the main breaker from grade.

2. Battery Breaker Height:

  • Requirements

    • Clear photo showing the measurement of the battery breaker from grade.

  • Additional Details

    • Disconnecting Means should not exceed 6 feet 7 inches (2.0 meters) above the floor or working platform.

Click for images

2. Equipment Locations (Pull Back):

  • Requirements

    • Photo(s) showing the complete BOS equipment installed - Ideal photos are pullback photos showing full context of the BOS area - If in a location where the battery could be damaged by a vehicle, the battery is protected by approved barriers.

  • Additional Details

    • Battery is located and positioned to meet all NEC and Manufacturers requirements and provisions have been made to properly protect and, if need, to vent any possible gasses from the storage device.

    • If installed in a garage or other location where the battery could be damaged by a vehicle, the battery is protected by approved barriers.

    • Barriers such as a bollards shall be so arranged and of such strength as to prevent damage.

    • All equipment requiring access is installed with a minimum 3' workspace clearance provided, or otherwise as guided by NEC 110.26 equipment located away (>10' from any roof drains). If unable to avoid drain locations, water flow must be re-directed. Blocking water spouts is not an acceptable method of redirecting water flow.

Click for images

3. Secondary Disconnects (Optional):

  • Requirements

    • Secondary disconnect to meet height requirement. AC Disconnects-Interior wiring and terminations Pull back - Switches/Fuses/Disconnects/Breakers - close up of rating

  • Additional Details

    • Disconnects are rated for their locations, properly installed. Disconnecting means is located in a readily accessible location either on the outside of a structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the system conductors.

Click for images

4. Enclosure Workmanship:

(Inverters, Disconnects, ATS, Batteries, etc.)

  • Requirements

    • Collect photos of all Electrical Enclosures installed or modified during the project (close ups and pullbacks).

    • Photos of enclosures with properly fitted and secured dead fronts.

  • Additional Details

    • Enclosures are not prevented from closing by the placement of conduit or wires.

    • No metal shavings or debris in enclosure(s)

    • Deadfront Requirements

      • Cover material requirements

        • Water resistant

        • Thermally Rated

      • Free of sharp edges and areas that can an individual interacting with the cover or damage conductors when in place

      • No sharp edges or pointed fasteners on any equipment

      • All energized parts must be inaccessible and covered by a deadfront that requires a tool to access

      • Disconnecting means must be accessible without tool

      • Grounded metal components

        • Tap and thread on all fasteners is required for a metallic fix this ensures proper grounding to cabinet

        • Non metallic medium addresses concerns of item being properly grounded

Click for images

5. Conductors and Terminations:

  • Best Practices followed for torque and terminations - adhering to manufacturer's specifications and marked by installation team. Minimal bare conductor at terminations.

  • Standard building conductors are used, No pinched/damaged conductors or tight bends (actual radius will vary based on conductor type and size, typically >5x the outer diameter of the conductor).

  • Conductors entering or exiting a conduit body or box have a strain relief?

Click for images

6. Grounds and Neutrals:

  • Details

    • Grounding conductors are clearly marked and identified, properly sized, following standard coloring code for AC or DC conductors, and grouped in raceways or trays.

    • Equipment grounding conductor(s) (EGC) are properly sized per NEC requirements. Array EGC is at least 6 AWG when located outside of raceway (NEC 250.120(C)).

    • All metal parts of racking, raceways, cables, enclosures are grounded and equipment connections are free from non-conductive coatings to ensure proper electrical continuity and effective path to ground. Array bonded to mounting system and/or EGC.

    • Neutral Conductor requirements are followed, Bonded to GEC in Disconnect ONLY and separated elsewhere in the system.

Click for images

7. Labeling

  • Requirements

    • Document ALL labels, signs, and warning labels (Inverters, Combiners, Disconnecting Means, all Points of Interconnection, etc.)

  • Additional Details

    • All boxes, enclosures are closed with their respective screws.

    • System Labeling should match the plansets and all label values should be neat and legible.

Click for images

8. Interior Electrical (If Applicable):

  • Requirements

    • All Interior Electrical work needs to be code compliant and documented for quality assurance, pullbacks of work completed.

  • Additional Details

    • Where inside buildings, PV system, and battery DC circuits that exceed 30 volts or 8 amperes shall be contained in metal raceways, in type MC cable that complies with 250.118, or in metal enclosures. Anytime metal raceways are used, grounding devices will need to be added to one end of the raceway (ground lugs).

Click for images

(D) Energy Storage

Equipment Standards

1. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS):

  • Requirements

    • Provide photos of internal ATS Wiring capturing torque marks and correct comm cable placement.

  • Additional Details

    • Torque markings are properly applied

    • ATS wired according to manufacturer's instructions (DC Conductors, EGC, and Comm Cables) and properly terminated.

    • ATS installation meets all required safety considerations per NEC 110.27 (Guarding of Live parts) and mitigating hazards while servicing or maintaining equipment.

    • Cat5 cable landed at ATS control and CT terminals. (May use CT terminal block instead)

    • Serial label or monitoring access.

Click for images

2. Backup Battery:

  • Requirements

    • Close up photos of ALL battery wiring

  • Additional Details

    • All ESS OCD and Conductors match the as designed plan and are sized appropriate to service.

    • ESS installation meets all required safety considerations per NEC 110.27 (Guarding of Live parts) and mitigating hazards while servicing or maintaining equipment.

    • Disconnecting means should not exceed 6 feet 7 inches (2.0 meters) above the floor or working platform.

    • Module Spacers are required installation

    • Battery power harness and communication cables are properly connected, and loop jumpers are connected for M3, M4, and M5 configurations (take close up photos).

Click for images

3. Battery Supports:

  • Battery Foot Bracket requires at least 4 structural fasteners.

  • Supports shall be installed no more than 5” above the floor or working platform.

  • Install instructions specify that batteries installed outdoors or elevated off the ground require the Foot Bracket.

Click for images

4. Rapid Shutdown Switch / E Stop:

  • Requirements

    • Provide photos of Shutdown Switch location and internal wiring

    • RSD wire color

  • Additional Details

    • Rapid shutdown switch installed properly, wired to the inverter and battery STOP (located outside if equipment is inside).

    • Where needed, a properly installed and wired disconnecting means (E Stop) has been installed.

Click for images

(E) Project Completion

Commissioning

1. Site voltage

  • Requirements

    • Photograph voltage measurement at main breaker

  • Additional Details

    • When commissioning the system, collect Site Voltage Measurements. It is important that voltage measurements are taken before and after installation to obtain at least 2 data points and have a better chance of identifying voltage issues on the property earlier in the process.

Click for images

2. Commissioning

  • Requirements

    • Generac screenshots should show inverter & CTs enabled, networking connected to Cellular, as well as Grid profile set to PREPA 2024 and External transfer timeout set to 300 seconds, as well as islanding screen to confirm the step was done.

    • Photo of Operational System connected to the internet and reporting to PWRfleet.

  • Additional Details

    • Monitoring Site ID & Portal Access

    • Commissioning of the system as well as an Islanding test should be completed prior to leaving the site. The system should be fully operational with all PV Links "Making Power", Battery screen displaying the "Charging" status, active communication, reporting production and consumption data including cellular connection signal.

    • Battery Backup Profile set to CLEAN

    • Grid profile set to PREPA 2024 and External transfer timeout set to 300 seconds.

    • System has been re-energized and is operational.

(F) Project Completion

Closeout

1. Cleanup

  • All boxes, enclosures are closed with their respective screws.

  • Absolutely no trash, materials or equipment/tools left behind.

  • The inverter does not indicate any arc or ground faults, or any other error messages.

Click for images

2. Installation Related Damage

  • Document any signs of installation related damage that may need to be corrected post install.

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3. Solar Ready Repairs

  • Requirements

    • IF performed, document all Solar Ready Repairs. Before and After Photos are required.

    • Site Survey uploaded to the account as SITE ASSESSMENT DOC type.

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